Mikel Arteta has made significant adjustments to his Arsenal lineup for the match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with the notable absence of Martin Odegaard due to injury. The Norwegian midfielder, who has been a key player for Arsenal, is sidelined with an ankle injury he sustained while representing Norway, leaving him unavailable for the foreseeable future.
In Odegaard’s absence, Jurrien Timber starts at right-back, and Arsenal’s £42 million summer signing Riccardo Calafiori makes his first Premier League start at left-back. The Italian defender, who arrived with high expectations, will be looking to make an immediate impact in this crucial fixture.
Bukayo Saka has been handed the captain’s armband in the absence of Odegaard, continuing to take on a leadership role within the team. The young winger is a key figure in Arsenal’s attack and will lead the team with his pace and creativity down the right flank.
In midfield, Kai Havertz retains his place, partnering Thomas Partey and Declan Rice. Rice returns to the Premier League lineup after missing Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend due to suspension. His presence will be crucial as Arsenal faces one of the toughest opponents in the league.
Leandro Trossard is given the nod to start as the central forward, flanked by Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings. This attacking trio will look to exploit Manchester City’s defense with their speed and technical ability. Trossard and Calafiori represent the two changes from the side that played against Atalanta in the Champions League, a match that ended in a draw.
Key players such as Ben White and Gabriel Jesus find themselves on the bench, offering valuable options for Arteta later in the game if needed. Arsenal, however, will be without the services of several injured players, including Mikel Merino, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney, which limits Arteta’s defensive options.
The confirmed Arsenal starting XI consists of Raya in goal, with Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Calafiori in defense. The midfield trio features Havertz, Partey, and Rice, while the attack is led by Saka, Trossard, and Martinelli. The substitutes’ bench includes Neto, White, Kiwior, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Sterling, and Jesus.
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